David Kekana: EFF bids farewell to veteran football analyst

Kekana's family broke the news of his passing on Monday morning.

The EFF has joined the rest of the country in mourning the death of veteran football analyst, David Kekana.

What happened to David Kekana?

David Kekana, a well-renowned and respected sports anchor, was pronounced dead at a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday. In a statement released by his family, it was revealed that the 47-year-old lost a lifelong battle with diabetes.

Today we woke up to devastating news of the passing of veteran football Analyst, David Kekana. His contribution to football analysis spans close to 2 decades & his commitment to sports development will be sorely missed. We send our sympathies to his loved ones #RIPDavidKekanapic.twitter.com/DTeCsfCeMY

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Before his 18-year stint at SABC, which started in 2001, Kekana started out as a Sunday Times reporter in 1999. His unrelenting love for the game pushed him away from print media, and after a short dabble with Primedia and MNet, he became a staple for South African football analysis.

Shortly before his passing, Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, had recruited him to lead the province’s Premier Social Cohesion Games, a programme that uses sports activities to build unity in communities.

Chief Director of the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ivor Hoff, who worked closely with Kekana recently, described the loss as a huge setback for the programme.

“We are truly saddened by his passing and celebrate the work he did to build sport as a channel for social cohesion in the province,” he said.

EFF bids farewell to Deza

The EFF also described the veteran football analyst as someone who championed sports as a key tool in bringing social cohesion to communities.

“In almost two decades, South African football fans have come to understand and fully appreciate the game of soccer through David’s humorous, yet meticulous contribution football analysis. His commitment to sports development and tireless efforts to bring about social change through the use of sports is what he will be remembered for.

“May the family be comforted during this time. His mercy and legacy will live on in the hearts of many South Africans,” the EFF wrote in a statement.